Paxite is a rare copper arsenide mineral typically occurring as massive or granular aggregates in hydrothermal veins. It is most commonly found alongside other copper-arsenic minerals such as koutekite and domeykite. Identification is difficult without laboratory analysis like X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe study due to its resemblance to other silver-white metallic minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Paxite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this paxite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch paxite with a known reference. Paxite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paxite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paxite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

Paxite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Domeykite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paxite leaves black, Domeykite leaves metallic white.

Often found alongside paxite

Minerals reported to co-occur with paxite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂As₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find paxite

Classic worldwide localities

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where paxite typically forms. If you start seeing koutekite, domeykite, arsenic in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paxite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is paxite found?+

Notable localities include Kutná Hora, Czech Republic; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France.

How much is paxite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paxite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paxite?+

Paxite is most often confused with Domeykite, Koutekite, Arsenic. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paxite?+

Paxite commonly co-occurs with Koutekite, Domeykite, Arsenic, Silver. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paxite form in?+

Paxite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paxite used for?+

Paxite is used in collector.

Find paxite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.